Exploring the Potential of Innovation on Rice Straw Fluff (RSF) in Roofing System

Abstract

The metal deck is a building material used on the roof of the house for protection. While rice straw is a plant that forms after the rice is harvested. Rice straws will usually be burned by rice farmers to produce fertile soil; however, this will encourage open burning which can destroy the sustainability of the environment which needs to be avoided. However, there are also many types of metal decks, including metal decks with Polyurethane foam (PU Foam) which are considered good sound absorbers and contain a mixture of chemicals that may be harmful. The existence of Rice Straw Fluff is expected to help those who are less able to get metal decks that are as good as metal decks with Polyurethane foam (PU Foam). Several tests were conducted to detect whether the products produced exceed the effectiveness and can work well. The first test is the Impedance Tube Method which is a method to detect and evaluate the efficient sound frequency level. By using this method, Rice Straw Fluff is tested, and the results and data taken are good and effective if used by consumers. The next test is the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Method (FTIR) which is a method to detect the chemicals contained in Rice Straw Fluff and existing products. The result of this finding clearly shows that rice straw mixed with silicone rubber is alkaline in nature which is influenced by silicone rubber. While Polyurethane foam (PU Foam) is acidic which is influenced by the chemicals mixed to produce foam. Finally, Rice Straw Fluff is an innovative product that can maintain the sustainability of the environment and can help low-income users to get a metal deck that has the same uses and benefits as existing products.